Controversial southside development rejected by Brisbane City Council

A controversial planned development in the south Brisbane suburb of Nathan for 750 units in an industrial estate is expected to be rejected by Brisbane City Council.

The 53 Fairlawn Street site had been the centre of community concern since a large-scale development application was submitted to the council in June 2017 for the nearly 70,000-square-metre site.

The development wanted to see a new residential area move into a current industrial complex.

The applicants had requested a change of use from industrial to residential, replacing a major vehicle distribution centre and warehouses with units, houses and retirement living about 10 kilometres from the Brisbane city centre.

In its submission to the council, the applicants had sought approval for a rezoning to low-medium density residential, with about 750 units and building heights of up to four storeys.

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Tam Dang Planning had submitted the application on behalf of Southway Services No 2 Pty Ltd, to change the 1960s-era industrial site to a new residential hub.

City planning chairman Matthew Bourke said the council had multiple concerns about the proposed development, which would have been for a 10-year overhaul of the site.

“Council had several concerns about the applicant’s proposal including it being inconsistent with the character of the local area and the site being prone to flooding,” Cr Bourke said.

“As the site’s only street access point is prone to flooding Council was concerned the evacuation risk for some residents would be too high.

“Further, the proposed development sought an outcome inconsistent with the character of the local area.

“Council is committed to resident safety as well as maintaining the surrounding low-density scale of the area, so does not support approval of the applicant’s proposal.”

Moorooka ward councillor Steve Griffiths said the rejection of the application was a win for residents who had fought hard to stop it being approved.

"Residents worked really hard to get this result, and I've supported them and I think it's a good outcome," Cr Griffiths said.

"However they need to remain vigilant, because this council has a strange habit of backflipping."

Cr Griffiths said it was disappointing no Liberal councillors had attended public meeting he hosted about the development application with residents prior to its rejection from the council.

Residents in the suburb had protested the planned development, with 140 submissions detailing concerns with the development being out of character and increasing population density far beyond Nathan's resources.

“The surrounding area is characterised by one to two-storey homes and also adjoins several non-residential uses including the Nathan Ambulance Station and the Salisbury Hotel,” Cr Bourke said.

“Council is committed to protecting existing industrial land from inappropriate uses and improving the infrastructure and services to industrial precincts.”

Cr Bourke said Brisbane’s already limited industrial land was in “strong demand” and needed to be protected for the benefit of the economy.